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Now Hiring in Katy Texas
Katy Magazine has provided a free jobs page to showcase local openings. Check these Katy area jobs pages for opportunities and openings in Katy. To request a link or specific job opening here, please email editor@katymagazine.com
GOVERNMENT JOBS
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CORPORATE JOBS
Click links below of various corporate job openings in Katy TX
EDUCATION JOBS
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Lycee International School de Houston
MEDICAL JOBS
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RETAIL
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Interior Designer & Decorator in Katy TX
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Visit yellowrosedesign.com
Seasoned Katy Interior Designer, Whole home design, Room by Room Design, Any Room Design, Quick Room Revamps,Renovation Consultations, Home Styling and Staging, Accessorizing, Merging Households, New Move Ins, Kids Rooms, and Other Special Projects. Serving Katy, Fulshear and Richmond TX
Katy Texas Swim Schools
If you’re looking for Katy swim lessons, swim schools or family swim time, here are some Katy swim resources.
Photo courtesy of Goldfish Swim School
GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL 26440 Farm to Market 1093, Richmond, TX 281-377-6985
Offers Katy and Richmond area families swim lessons, family swim time, water safety programs and more. Goldfish teaches essential life skills in an inviting safe environment. https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/katy/
Abracadoodle 25523 Westbourne Dr. 832-243-2578
Carson’s Art School 5131 S Fry Rd. 281-507-3039
Katy Art School24210 Westheimer Pkwy. 281-665-3272
Pinot’s Palette 25920 Westheimer Pkwy. Katy, TX 281-769-2961
Foundations Academy is in need of afternoon teachers in various age groups. Must have at least 2 years of experience in a childcare setting and current CPR/First Aid. This is a part time position that has the potential of becoming full time. Must be enthusiastic about working with children, be able to relate to children on their level, have patience, be a strong team player and have great communication skills. Must be available to work 2:30-6:30pm. Please send resumes to alaina@foundations-academy.com . You may also call 281-599-1200 for additional information.
APPLY NOW! We are looking for a very organized, outgoing person who enjoys following up and promoting our advertising services to small businesses across Katy. This is flexible and ideal for a parent of a school ager looking for extra income.
You will sell Katy Magazine’s innovative digital/social media advertising packages to small businesses in Katy, renew current advertisers as needed, and help generate revenue for the company. Most of our sales are done via email and phone, but you will sometimes need to stop by a business. Full training about our digital advertising campaigns is provided to make sure you are poised for success. Requires excellent follow up, good communications, competitive personality, and good social media skills. The more you sell, the more you make. There will be some flexibility with regard to your hours but this is a daytime opportunity. You must be familiar with Katy Magazine, and preferably a reader, so you understand our family audience. Hourly rate, plus commission. Mileage for customer visits. Email your resume and cover letter to hr@katymagazine.com.
Katy, Texas Jobs
Great Harvest Bread Co is looking for a day customer staff team member to help serve customers, make sandwiches, coffee and bake for the Great Harvest Bread Co in Katy. Positions are for day and closing staff. Positions available are Monday – Saturday with total work time of 15-20 hrs a week. Dependable, good communication skills, ability to multi-task while having FUN are the key requirements. No previous baking experience required. If you are interested in joining our team, please go to www.greatharvestkatytx.com and fill in an application and bring it by the store. We would love to talk with you!
Katy, Texas Jobs
SoccerTots is now looking to hire part time instructors in Katy, Texas. Qualified applicants will start off at $15 hourly. This is a rewarding job directing classes of players, ages 18 months to 8 years old. The instructors are in charge of directing the activities, teaching the kids good motor skills, good soccer skills and some behavior skills. For more information regarding our services please visit SoccerTotsHouston.com or call 713-429-5312. Also please email resume to south@soccertotshouston.com
September 7, 2017
By Ashley Lancaster
- Volunteers to put together grocery orders
- Breakfast Food
- Cereal and Oatmeal
- Granola Bars
- Protein Bars
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Bread
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Boxed sides
- mac and cheese
- shelf stable milk
- Juice (not Gatorade)
- Chunky soup
- Chili
- Snack foods
- Canned meat
- Volunteers (age 14 and up) to help replenish shop supplies
- Reusable bags for Clients to take home clothes in
- Underwear (Girls underwear size 2 & 3) , BRAS (especially in the L – XXL sizes), girls socks, mens underwear (all sizes), women’s underwear (all sizes)
- Zip Lock Bags (gallon)
- PROTEINS – Peanut butter, canned meat, etc.
- Pasta, spaghetti sauce
- Sponsor a family in Katy/Greater Houston for $10 a month
- Donate new and gently-used clothing, or give $10 now.
- Volunteer and show love to those in need.
Katy, TX Blog (June 5, 2017) – Seven Lakes High School graduate Caitlin Ricketts is now traveling the world modeling for top name brands
Written by Debbie McDaniel
As a young girl growing up in Katy, Texas, Caitlin Ricketts only dreamed of the life she’s now living as a model for the Wilhelmina Agency in New York City. “I love being from Katy and I’m so happy I have all of my family still in Katy to come home to,” she says. She grew up in Katy ISD, attending Roosevelt Alexander Elementary School, Beckendorff Junior High School, and Seven Lakes High School. “I have lived in New York City for years now, but Katy will always be my home and a place to bring me back to reality.”
A Big Break
Ricketts was introduced to modeling at a young age. “I started modeling when I was a baby for brands like Foley’s and Palais Royal and stopped when I was about 5 years old. It wasn’t until I was 14 when my older sister Chelsea convinced me to try it out again and go to an open call for Abercrombie.” Ricketts shares how she ended up booking the job, and saw that she loved it. “I realized then how much fun and exciting it was!” The Abercrombie job jump-started her career. “It just took off after that,” she adds. Ricketts went on to sign with the New York agency Wilhelmina Models when she was 16. She moved to NYC and has been there five years now, modeling full time. “Since then, I’ve worked for brands like CoverGirl, which was one of my big dreams, Maybelline, and Garnier, and have had the opportunity to live in so many amazing countries such as South Korea, London, Japan, and Australia,” she says.
Traveling, People, & Projects
She shares that while traveling is one of the most exciting parts of her job, it can also be one of the most challenging. “I’m thankful for the chance to travel the world, and even though it can be hard to be gone for months at a time, I wouldn’t change a thing about it,” says Ricketts, who has been to 26 countries in the last few years. “My next stop is Iceland and I can’t wait.” Another fun part of her career are the people and projects. “I have had the chance to work with so many talented people like Bruce Weber and Bobbi Brown. I also had the pleasure of being a part of so many fun ads for brands such as LeSportsac and Kendra Scott, and magazines like Glamour and Shape.”
A career in modeling may seem glamorous, but Ricketts still embraces the Texas girl she truly is. “I love Tex-Mex, burgers and fries, and of course, some good ole’ Texas barbeque,” she laughs. “I grew up going to the rodeo every year and spent Friday nights dancing with my high school drill team during football season. I still cheer on the Texans from NYC and am a big fan of JJ Watt.”
Ricketts says she treasures her family, and also loves a glass of red wine and an episode of Game of Thrones. A great sense of humor is vital in her life and industry, and she recalls one of her most embarrassing moments. “I embarrass myself daily, but one memory that sticks out the most is when I dropped a shampoo bottle in a store and it busted open. I then ended up slipping in the mess and falling on my face right in front of the checkout line.”
Being looked to as a fashion icon isn’t always easy, but she describes her style as a mix of being very feminine and girly one day, to being very tomboy and gothic the next. “My style is ever-changing,” she adds. Ricketts encourages other young women to embrace their dreams and go after them no matter how big or small they might seem. She says her favorite quote has always been, “Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.” KM
CAITLIN SIGHTINGS
- CoverGirl
- Glamour Magazine
- Seventeen Magazine
- Maybelline
- Shape Magazine
- Garnier
- Kendra Scott
- Abercrombie
- LeSportsac
- Marie Claire Magazine
Katy, TX (October 25, 2016) More than 70 Memorial Hermann nurses were recently honored by the Good Samaritan Foundation with Excellence in Nursing Awards. Nominated by their peers for their passion, leadership, mentorship, and service to the Houston community, Excellence in Nursing Award winners are leaders in hospital, outpatient and academic settings who provide extraordinary and compassionate care and service.
Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital: Seena John, RN, MSN, CCRN and Karen Coulson, MSN, RN
Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital: Shelley Mosley, RN; winner William Daniel Karamol, BSN, RN, SMRN; winner Janetha Andrade, RN, BSN, RNC-MNN; Gail Saunders, RN
Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center: Jessica Oliveira, BSN, RN, CPN; Katherine Gautreaux, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN
Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital: David Ng, RN-BC; Neha Deshpande, RN, BSN; Patrick Ermis, RN; Jessica Chavis, RN; Nicole Kerbow, RNC-IBCLC, CLC; Liane Colley, RN, BSN; and Kathryn Tennis, RN
Good Samaritan 2016 Southeast: Linda Garcia, BSN, RN, CMSRN and Ronald Veach, RN
Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital: Standing (L to R): Andrew Voelkel, RN; Robert Flores, DNP, RN, MHA, NE-BC, FACHE; and Keerthan Andrade, BSN, PCCN Sitting (L to R): Sherly Mathew, RN; Toke Ogundiya, BSN; and Susy Abraham, BSN,RN, CMSN-BC, PCCN
TIRR Memorial Hermann: winner Tanya Phillips, Director of Patient Care, Katy Rehabilitation Hospital; DeAnn Roberts, Director of Clinical Effectiveness, TIRR Memorial Hermann; winner Allison Reimers, RN, Clinical Project Manager, Emergency Preparedness Officer, TIRR Memorial Hermann; (standing) Mary Ann Euliarte, Vice President of Operations, Chief Nursing Officer, TIRR Memorial Hermann; Lalita Thompson, RN, TIRR Memorial Hermann; Ronda McKnight, Clinical Manager, Katy Rehabilitation Hospital. Not pictured is winner Bernice Brown, LVN, TIRR Memorial Hermann
Memorial Herman The Woodlands Hospital: Tamara Herschmann, MSN, RN, CNOR; Pauline Limsiaco, BSN, RNC; Bridgette Singleton, ADN, RNC; Ma Linda Braza, RN,BSN,CMSRN; Emefa Yador Arnaout, MSN, MHA ,RN NE-BC; Lovelyn D. Agleam, RN,BSN,CMSRN; and Vicki Tucker, BSN, RNC
Not Pictured are the winners from Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Children’s Memorial Hospital
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (August 26, 2016) Memorial Hermann recently teamed up with the YMCA of Greater Houston to help make sure hundreds of area students have the supplies they need to start the school year. Memorial Hermann physicians, employees and volunteers donated money and school supplies as part of the YMCA of Greater Houston’s Operation Backpack 2016.
Memorial Hermann campuses have long supported Operation Backpack but this year Women Leaders of Memorial Hermann along with Memorial Hermann’s Partners in Caring, worked closely to consolidate the initiative across the system. Collection sites were set up at 10 locations across the Memorial Hermann system and employees could also donate online through the Memorial Hermann Foundation.
Memorial Hermann physicians, employees and staff collected supplies to fill more than 1,200 backpacks to be distributed to students in need throughout metro Houston. In addition, employees donated more than $1,200 to the YMCA of Greater Houston to further support Operation Backpack.
“Operation Backpack is such an important program and it’s been exciting to see our participation expand throughout the Memorial Hermann system this year,” says Erin Asprec, Regional President of Memorial Hermann and co-founder of the Women Leaders of Memorial Hermann. “We want students to begin the school year empowered with feelings of hope and joy and not stress or anxiety over not having the school supplies they need to be successful.”
Memorial Hermann set up donation boxes at Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Cypress, Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital, Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital- Katy, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital and TIRR Memorial Hermann. A donation box was also placed at the regional office of United Surgical Partners International in Houston, a partner of Memorial Hermann.
“Our mission is to “Advance Health” and that includes the emotional health of children and families in our community,” said Kyle Price, Sr. Vice President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Southeast. “We want to help students to arrive at school with confidence and the tools they need to learn and to excel.”
The YMCA of Greater Houston area set a goal of distributing 100,000 backpacks to students throughout the community this year. The backpacks not only include school supplies but also notes of encouragement to the students. Donations to Operation Backpack are still being accepted through the YMCA of Greater Houston.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Saturday, June 18 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Chick-fil-A Cinco Ranch
23860 Westheimer Pkwy.
The circus is in town! Make your own miniature big-top tent & fill it with yummy circus animal crackers to snack on while you watch a performance by a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown, starting at 5:15 pm! Kids dressed as a circus performer (ringmaster, lion tamer, acrobat, clown, etc.) will receive a FREE Nuggets Kids Meal (4-count) Visit www.cfarestaurant.com for more information.
Katy, TX (June 13, 2016) Talk about a Texas-sized event! More than 200 cancer survivors and caregivers donned their best western-wear as a part of a recent “Survivor’s Celebration of Life” event at the Westin Memorial City hosted by Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers.
Attendees at this year’s Texas-themed event dined on healthy country fare, let their hair down in the photo booth, and showed off their dance moves on the dance floor. Memorial Hermann staff members also led the group in a specially-choreographed line dance.
“The dance just gets bigger and better every year. It’s something survivors and their caregivers always rave about. Not only do they love seeing us dance, but they love joining us on the dance floor! It’s a great way to get people moving and smiling,” says oncology nurse navigator Jessica Burgess with Memorial Hermann Cancer Center- Memorial City Medical Center.
This year’s event also featured keynote speaker and cancer survivor Dr. Dan Shapiro. The Vice Dean for Faculty and Administrative Affairs at the Penn State College of Medicine, Dr. Shapiro is also an author whose writings about the patient experience and physician patient relationships have been featured in the New York Times, the New England Journal of Medicine and others.
Memorial Hermann also wants to thank the nearly 40 staff members from 5 campuses who volunteered their time putting on the annual event for survivors and their loved ones.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospital
Katy, TX (June 1, 2016) It started as a typical Friday night for 69-year-old Patricia Franklin. The Katy resident watched her grandson Jordan play football, but on the way home, her right temple began to throb. Franklin chalked it up to overexertion, thinking rest, a bowl of ice cream, and a few minutes of television might make her feel better.
That’s when things began to take a turn for the worse. When Franklin stood to take her bowl to the sink, it fell from her hands. She looked down and noticed her left arm was dangling at her side.
Not recognizing the symptoms of stroke, she declined her daughter’s suggestion to visit an emergency room. Instead, she went about her bedtime routine. When she couldn’t put on her night gown or climb into bed, she knew it was time to take action.
“Because stroke affects the brain, patients may not realize they are having a stroke,” said Jose Diaz, M.D., stroke neurologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital and Franklin’s physician. “Symptoms are distinct, appear quickly, and include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg; sudden confusion or speech difficulty; sudden vision impairment; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and a sudden severe headache with no known cause.”
Franklin’s daughter rushed her to a nearby emergency room, where it was discovered that she had a stroke. Franklin received the clot-busting drug tPA and was transferred to Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital for further treatment and observation.
Today, Franklin is on the mend, but she shares her story to educate others on the signs and symptoms of stroke.
“I was in denial that it was a stroke. I didn’t have a family history of stroke and I was a healthy, non-smoker with normal blood pressure,” said Franklin. “Hindsight is 20/20. Now I know I had the classic symptoms of stroke and I’m fortunate that I sought medical treatment in time.”
To a bystander, someone having a stroke may just look unaware or confused. Stroke victims have the best chance if someone around them recognizes the symptoms and gets help quickly. Memorial Hermann recommends F.A.S.T. as an acronym to remember the sudden signs of stroke:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 9-1-1
To find out if you are at risk of stroke, talk with your health care provider.
Memorial Hermann Katy has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission (TJC) for Advanced Stroke Certification and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Centers. Additionally, the hospital was recently awarded the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®–Stroke Silver Performance Achievement Award, which recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.
To learn more about stroke care at Memorial Hermann Katy, call 281-644-7000 or visit www.memorialhermann.org.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann Hospitals
FOR SALE – This Chicco Polly high chair goes up and down. Asking $40. Has small brown stain on belt buckle. Crossposted. Contact Amber.
Katy, TX (May 9, 2016) Texas Children’s Hospital is proud to announce Dr. Howard L. Weiner as chief of neurosurgery. Texas Children’s is ranked #2 nationally in neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News World Report. For more information visit texaschildrens.org/neurosurgery.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Weiner,” said Dr. Charles D. Fraser Jr., surgeon-in-chief at Texas Children’s and professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. “His clinical interests and vision for the next stages of development of neurosurgery at Texas Children’s are complementary to the expertise of our team. The patients and families we treat will benefit greatly from his tremendous experience in the field.”
Weiner’s clinical interests include medically refractory epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex. He also treats children with brain and spinal tumors, congenital malformations, tethered cords, chiari malformations, craniosynostosis, hydrocephalus, spina bifida and spasticity. His research interests have included the biology of tuberous sclerosis complex, the role of the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway in medulloblastoma and therapeutic strategies for germ cell tumors of the central nervous system.
Weiner, who also serves as professor of surgery at Baylor, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. During residency, he was also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute research fellow in the Department of Biochemistry at New York University. Following residency, Weiner was awarded the Van Wagenen Fellowship by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons to study brain development in Paris. He also completed a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at New York University Medical Center.
Weiner is a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons and the American Epilepsy Society.
“I also extend my thanks to Dr. Thomas Luerssen for his nine years of outstanding leadership and service as chief of neurosurgery at Texas Children’s,” added Fraser. “During his tenure, he built a truly preeminent neurosurgery team of consummate academic and clinical surgeons.”
Texas Children’s neurosurgery program is among the largest and most experienced pediatric neurosurgery units in the U.S. Expert neurosurgeons perform more than 950 surgeries annually for a broad range of pediatric neurosurgical disorders.
Katy, TX (May 5, 2016) The Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute at the Texas Medical Center (MNI) and McGovern Medical School at UTHealth are pleased to announce the addition of Joseph Martinez, M.D. Dr. Martinez will serve as a neurosurgeon at Mischer Neuroscience Associates as well as an assistant professor at McGovern Medical School’s Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery.
Dr. Joseph Martinez – Neurosurgery
Dr. Martinez is a neurosurgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spine disorders. He has a special interest in the treatment of degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, sciatica, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, spinal cord compression and myelopathy, and metastatic spine tumors.
“The knowledge and experience that Dr. Martinez adds to the team at Mischer Neuroscience Associates will be tremendously beneficial to both our staff and our patients,” said Daniel Kim, M.D., Director of Reconstructive Spinal and Peripheral Nerve Surgery at MNI and Professor at McGovern Medical School’s Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery. “The addition of Dr. Martinez greatly enhances our elective spine surgery and spine trauma divisions and supports our goal to continuously evolve and learn, providing our patients with the best possible neurological care.”
Dr. Martinez is the co-author of articles published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine and chapters on anterior lumbar interbody fusion and lumbar disk arthroplasty in the textbook Essential Techniques of Operative Surgery.
Dr. Martinez completed his residency in neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and later served as a fellow in complex spine surgery at the University of Miami. In 2001, he was awarded the William J. von Liebig Research Fellowship in Vascular Surgery at Harvard Medical School and has been listed among Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
Courtesy of Memorial Hermann
Katy, TX (December 5, 2015) Cinco Ranch Junior High was filled with the sound of cheering as Cinco Ranch High School’s CRyptonite Robotics Team hosted their fourth annual FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO® League Katy Qualifier robotics tournament.
For the second year in a row, Team 9066 (Naturally Beck) from Beck Junior High won the First Place Champions Award as the team with the highest combined score from all elements of the competition, beating out 23 other teams from all over the Houston Metro area.
FIRST LEGO League is a robotics competition for 4th to 8th grade students in teams comprised of two to ten members. Every year, the teams, working with adult mentors build a LEGO robot to compete in a specific challenge designed by FIRST. In addition to organizing and running the tournament, Cinco Ranch High School robotics Team 624, CRyptonite, has been sending student mentors to help adult volunteers work with teams from Creech Elementary and Beck Junior High.
Robots are built of LEGO and LEGO MINDSTORMS products including sensors, attachments and motors. This seasons’ game is called Trash Trek. In Trash Trek, teams are challenged to explore the world of trash, from collection, to sorting, to smart production, and reuse. They must create their own LEGO MINDSTORMS robot to accomplish trash-themed missions on a tabletop playing field.
In addition to building a robot, teams also create a project solution to present to a panel of judges. This year’s project was to make less trash or improve the way people handle the trash they make. On the competition day, students present their solutions, and the top three teams also receive a Golden Ticket to the Championship.
To learn more about FIRST Robotics Competition: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc
For more information on Team 624: http://team624.org/
Katy, TX News (January 12, 2016) Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Meyers, Katy Mayor Fabol Hughes, as well as members of the Rotary Club of Katy and surrounding Fort Bend Rotary Clubs along with Katy Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 extended a warm welcome to the Rotary International President, K.R. Ravindran. Mr. Ravindran and his wife, Vanathy, chose to visit the Freedom Park Memorial Tower as part of their tour across the United States.
The monument was built in collaboration between Fort Bend County, Rotary Club of Katy, VFW Post 9182 and its Auxiliary and was dedicated on September 11, 2015 to the women and men who have served our county in the five branches of our Military Services: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, as well as those who died on September 11, 2001. Commissioner Meyers, a long-standing Rotarian, presented the President with a proclamation which declared January 11, 2016 as Rotary International Day to commemorate the special occasion.
Rotary International is the largest humanitarian service organization in the world with a world-wide network of 1.2 million individuals from more than 200 countries. Rotary International in Fort Bend County and surrounding Texas Counties is proudly represented by 62 Rotary Clubs. The Rotary Club of Katy is in its 70th year of service, providing much needed support to Fort Bend County and its citizens.
NEW! Dish Society is hiring bussers, dishwashers, servers, bartenders, line cooks, prep cooks, cashiers and baristas at the LaCenterra location. Interested candidates can apply at the location.
Katy, Texas (September, 17, 2015)
Iconic Katy Family spans five generations, more than 120 years, making a lasting imprint on the community.
Written by Wendy Teng and Katy Magazine’s Editors
The Stockdicks put their footprints on Katy land long before the town of Katy even existed. In honor of the family’s contributions to Katy, many Katyites have recognized area sites named in their honor like Stockdick Road, Stockdick School Road, and Stockdick House at Heritage Park.
The First Pioneer in the Family
In 1895, Adam H. Stockdick settled in the area. “There was nothing here but a shed over a water well. Most settlers had to camp in tents or railcars until their homes were built. Living conditions could be very tough,” says greatgranddaughter Rosanne Stockdick Lopez. Adam came to build a home for his family who was still in Iowa at that time. Although he was a school teacher, he was not able to make an income with his teaching certificate.
To support his family, he began farming and became the first land agent for the MKT Railroad. Writing letters to friends and family, he attracted and brought many settlers to colonize and develop the area with businesses. Adam’s great-grandchildren Janet Stanberry and Ronald Scott share, “Adam influenced many families to move from Iowa to Katy based on the fertile farming land available.” The drilling of the earliest deep water wells for rice farming is another remarkable achievement by Adam that was documented in 1902.
In total, it is estimated that Adam was able to bring 15 pioneering families to settle. After he left the MKT Railroad, Adam opened his own real estate company and sold land to families coming to the small town. He was one of the first individuals in Katy to see electricity, phone service, and indoor water piped to homes. Stanberry and Scott say, “He saw transportation go from horse, to horse and wagon, to motorized vehicles, to airplanes, to landing a man on the moon in 1969.”
Building Katy Schools
“Education has turned out to be our family’s greatest legacy,” says Lopez. One of Adam’s sons, William Chester Stockdick, started the South Mayde School for children in 1905. About a decade later in 1914, he and A.J. Peek started the Stockdick School on Stockdick School Road. They also served as trustees. Both of these schools were only one-room buildings, but they offered an opportunity for children from the surrounding farms to get an education. The two schools closed in 1931 due to the availability of roads and buses from Katy ISD that were then able pick up students from the country and take them to school in town.
Other than helping to build some of the first schools in Katy, many of Stockdick’s descendants chose careers related to education through teaching, administration, and becoming school board members. Lopez’s daughter, Bethany Lopez Cobb, is a fifth-generation Stockdick who has taught in Katy ISD for more than a decade.
Lopez Cobb are proud of their rice farming history
A Generational Story
As a child, Lopez’s life revolved around the farm. Her childhood days were spent on the family farm on Stockdick School Road because her dad was a rice farmer and cattleman. “Summers were always started with rice harvest. I drove a rice truck just as soon as my feet could reach the pedals and I could see over the steering wheel,” Lopez says.
Lopez also had responsibilities working with cattle. She called it her “cattle job,” and it included working on a card catalogue of every cow, calf, and bull on the farm, helping fill syringes for inoculations, treating pink eye, and applying fly dust. “I remember as a young child when the roads in Katy were paved for the first time. I remember the farms finally getting telephone service. Our lives have literally seen the space age and the high-tech age come about,” says Lopez. “What an amazing journey.
Business was always a way of life in the family. “Lives changed constantly due to bad weather affecting crops, injuries, death, tragedy, and aging. One did not have the opportunity to ‘stop working’ if you wanted to succeed at anything in life,” says Lopez. She has juggled several career changes, somewhat like her ancestor, Adam. Lopez was originally a teacher, but when she moved to Katy in 1975, there were no job openings at Katy Elementary School, which was the only elementary school at the time. For the next 20 years, she and her dad worked together in the family business selling homes.
The business closed in 1994, and she and her husband opened ABC Country Store. Unfortunately, due to her husband’s health, the store closed in June 2008. Now, Lopez is a dedicated substitute and tutor for Katy ISD. She is also on the Katy Heritage Society Board and prepares history presentations of the City of Katy for Katy ISD elementary schools.
Future Hopes
The Stockdick descendants agree that Katy’s small-town feel with strong family cultures are what keeps the growing community strong. “This strong sense of established roots gives self-confidence to children. They learn early on to respect the elderly, appreciate their own history, and understand why they need to learn about history,” Lopez says. Katy is a wonderful place to raise a family, Cobb adds, “I want future generations to know that support and how it came to be because of all the generations before who worked hard and relied on each other.” As part of the older generation of Stockdicks, Lopez and her family are working to document the Stockdick family history. With a collection of letters, journals, and pictures, the family is able to piece together a more detailed family legacy for future generations. KM
WENDY TENG is a freelance writer. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, blogging, volunteering, trying new restaurants, and learning about new organizations.
Katy, Texas (September 3, 2015)
Through community involvement and hard work, Katy ISD drill teams take their training, passion, and camaraderie far beyond the 50-yard line
For any young woman in Katy ISD, drill team is synonymous with friendship, hard work, and the thrill of performing.“They will know what it feels like to win and lose, and they will know how to handle both with grace. They will have a true appreciation for dance as an art and what it takes to be a great performer,” says Rosey Fortenberry, dance teacher at Tompkins High School.
Written by Shetye Cypher | Photography by Anetrius Wallace
In Sync with the Community
Joining the dance team at a Katy ISD high school is great for the girls’ sense of community involvement as well. “[The Cinco Ranch Cougar] Stars have a great love and respect for their team, school, and community and are always volunteering to help the elementary schools out with events,” says Samantha Cockerham, dance teacher at Cinco Ranch High School. For example, every year they host a Kick-a-Thon event to raise money for the Ballard House.
the Tigers often advance to the state playoffs
Potential and Heart
Because good form and technique cannot be learned overnight, drill team is something every girl needs to be prepared for. The best way for your teen to get ready is to sign up for drill team and dance workshops whenever possible. It also helps to know what the judges look for.
“I look for potential and heart. The judges look for dancers with good performance quality and potential,” says Taylor High School (THS) dance teacher Darby Boyd, who has a BFA in dance performance from Southern Methodist University. Elise Nicknish, THS junior, who has been dancing for 13 years
adds, “Don’t be afraid to be yourself and let your personality shine through your dancing.”
If you aren’t a dancing veteran, don’t feel discouraged. Anyone who truly wants to dance and gives the effort will get their shot. “We work hard with students that have an innate ability and natural talent for dancing that have not had any formal training,” says Cockerham.
Perfecting the Steps
During the regular season, teams from every school in Katy ISD perform choreographed halftime routines for football and basketball games, pep rallies, and community events. In order to be performance-ready for so many venues and appearances, drill teams practice for hours each day, in order to perfect routines.
Center Stage Spotlight
When the season for performing at halftime is over, the real work starts. Competition season is fierce, fast-paced, and a serious time commitment, so parents should be prepared. “Parents should expect their student to be very busy. We also need them to reinforce the importance of managing and organizing their time, because dance is a year-round activity,”says Fortenberry.
The teams travel to various competitions throughout the state and sometimes the nation, vying for titles in different categories and often performing multiple routines a day. But the travel, training, and long days spent with teammates eventually build bonds that will last a lifetime. According to
Seven Lakes High School senior, Sarah-Kate Fowler, being a part of the drill team has given her something special. “I have gained irreplaceable friendships from being a part of the Seven Lakes High School Sapphires. Seeing familiar faces all around the school and having a sense of belonging is
something I will always cherish.”
SHETYE CYPHER is a freelance writer who is also the journalism teacher and publications adviser at Tompkins High School.
For Sale – Leather couch with no rips or tears. Asking $50. Contact Christi Williams. Crossposted.
Katy, TX News (July 22, 2015) – Katy ISD Executive Athletic Director Debbie Decker was recently elected as the new vice president of the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association and will assume her position at the General Session of Athletic Directors on July 20. THSADA provides members with professional development, leadership and support opportunities that encourage effective athletic administration.
Shopping for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Check out all of these awesome specials going on in the Katy area!
- Academy Sports & Outdoors 1800 N. Mason Rd. Katy, TX 281-646-5200
Great gifts for dads at low prices! Special prices on fishing gear, kayaks, Yeti brands, grills and smokers, and much more! - Ace Hardware 1720 S. Mason Rd. Katy, TX 281-392-5200
Get $20 off select heavy duty power tools! - Acme Arts 3130 N. Fry Rd. Ste. 1100, Katy, TX 281-901-0918
Father’s Day Sale from June 15 to June 28! 25% off all orders online or in store! Coupon code: Y5PQMWVM4O0R - Bass Pro Shop (Katy Mills Mall) 5000 Katy Mills Cir., Katy, TX 281-644-2200
The ultimate one-stop shop for dads! Huge Father’s Day sale ends 6/21/15. Special prices on fishing, hunting, shooting, boating, camping, men’s clothing, and much more! - Best Buy 20290 Katy Fwy. Katy, TX 281-398-2938
Get him a gift he’ll drool over this Father’s Day! Great sales on the hottest electronics as well as feature-packed appliances. - D’Amico’s Italian Market (LaCenterra) 2643 Commercial Center Blvd. Ste. B350, Katy, TX 281-769-9682
Treat Dad to the freshest Italian in town! Open every Sunday! - Elements Massage Katy (LaCenterra) 2643 Commercial Center Blvd. Ste. B340, Katy, TX 281-394-7119
The best massage for the best dad, guaranteed! $49 special intro offer – 1 hour massage session - Katy Budget Books 2450 Fry Rd. Houston, TX 281-578-7770
KBB will construct a special display of great gift suggestions for Father’s Day including both books and gift items! We encourage you to use the existing coupon running in their current Katy Magazine ad! - Lowe’s 19935 Katy Fwy. Houston, TX 281-492-7980
Save 17% until 6/8/15 when you purchase a Char-Broil Advantage 3-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill! - Men’s Wearhouse 1120 Fry Rd. Houston, TX 281-578-7817
Get fathers’ favorites here! Special pricing on polos, suits, and shoes! - Perfumania (Katy Mills Mall) 5000 Katy Mills Cir., Katy, TX 281-644-4030
Buy one get one $14.99 on select fragrance gift singles and gift sets! - Texas Borders Bar & Grill 20940 Katy Fwy. Katy, TX 281-578-8785
Treat dads to free chips and salsa, plus cheap Street Tacos and beer! - Tommy Hilfiger (Katy Mills Mall) 5000 Katy Mills Cir., Katy, TX 281-644-5888
Get 30-50% off all men’s apparel! - Traditions Window Décor Katy, TX 713-635-9330
Free Hidden Tilt upgrade on orders placed in June!
Know of any great Father’s Day specials in Katy? Email us at editor@katymagazine.com!
Katy, TX News (April 2, 2015) – KATY Aquatics and Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital will bring “April Pools Day” to families at Katy Mills on Wednesday, April 1. The event, scheduled for 10 a.m. in the AMC Plaza near Entry 8, will feature water safety demonstrations, information booths, games, story time, giveaways and Simon Kidgits Club® activities plus a special appearance by Mayor Fabol Hughes and guest speaker Elizabeth Nuño who nearly lost her daughter last summer in a drowning accident.
“April Pools Day’ is a significant educational initiative that we implemented, locally, last year, after Katy experienced an overwhelming number of drowning incidents,” said Kay Sword, Trauma Program manager at Memorial Hermann Katy. “Together, with the support of community leaders, we hope to clarify the potential dangers, reduce the risk of incidents and keep families water-safe and sound.”
“April Pools Day,” recognized by aquatic organizations and health providers across the nation, is designed to teach families about water safety, raise awareness of the hazards associated with water, and prevent drowning in pools, bathtubs and all bodies of water. Seminars and demonstrations led by KATY Aquatics and Memorial Hermann Katy representatives will include how to properly wear a life jacket, information on first aid and CPR, and the best ways to watch children near water. The organizations will also give away 200 gift bags, while supplies last.
“With Harris County leading the state in drowning cases in 2013 and 2014, it is critical for us to educate parents and children, early, about proper water safety techniques,” said Travis Sandifer, executive director of KATY Aquatics. “We are proud to partner with Memorial Hermann and Katy Mills to inform young parents and communicate proactive measures to ensure a fun spring and summer.”
In addition to safety demonstrations, Katy Mills’ Simon Kidgits Club will have various activities for children including water safety inspired paper crafts and coloring and will provide educational material about local waterways. Kidgits Club members will receive a special bathtub toy to take home and enjoy. If families are not part of the club, they can sign-up and pay the annual $5 per child fee at the event.
“Swim safety is a huge concern for families in the Katy area,” said Sabrina Scruta, director of marketing and business development at Katy Mills. “With a focus on health, wellness, education and safety, this event is a perfect complement to the mission of our Simon Kidgits Club.”
As an added bonus for event patrons, Katy Mills will be giving away swag bags filled with special retail offers to the first 50 customers to sign up for the Mobile Shoppers Club. To join the Mobile Shoppers Club*, text “SMSC” to 74666 for all kinds of insider info.
Sat., Feb. 7, 2015 7:30 am – 4 pm
22011 Joshua Kendell Ln.
Garage sale in Williamsburg Settlement with lots of great items to choose from. Tons of DVDs, video games, toys, furniture, art, clothing, and sporting equipment. Something for everyone.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014 8 am – 12 noon
Thursday, December 18, 2014
and Monday, December 22, 2014 2 pm – 6 pm
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Dish Society is opening in Katy in late January/early February and is hiring for all positions ( line cooks, prep cooks, servers, bar tenders, baristas, bussers, dishwashers, cashiers, host/hostess) through a series of on site job fairs. If you are unable to attend one of the events, there will be more in January, or applicants can stop by the 5740 San Felipe.
Katy, TX News (October 13, 2014) – On Saturday, October 11, hundreds of volunteers mobilized to collect items at Houston-area grocery stores in support of local food banks, homeless shelters and returning military families.
This was Second Baptist Church’s sixth annual Second Helping food drive. Volunteers gathered at entrances of the area supermarkets to distribute lists of needed items. As shoppers exited the store, volunteers collected and consolidated their donations.
These donations were given to 15 local agencies- Star of Hope, Fifth Ward Pregnancy Help Center, Open Door Mission, Operation Military Embrace, Beltway 8 Pregnancy Help Center, Mission Centers of Houston, Katy Christian Ministries, Krause Center, Pregnancy Help Center-Katy, Mission Northeast, Mission Greenspoint, Humble Area Assistance Ministries [HAAM], Cypress Assistance Ministries, Christian Helping Hands and Northwest Assistance Ministries.Visit their website at www.second.org for more information.
Katy, TX News (September 3, 2014) – This past school year, eight outstanding Katy ISD students were selected to participate in Education in Action’s 2014 spring break and summer camps. Lone Star Leadership Academy camps took place in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, and Houston/Galveston depending on the students’ grade level. Selection for the Lone Star Leadership Academy was based on each student’s demonstrated academic success and leadership ability, an educator recommendation, and involvement in school and community activities.
During the Lone Star Leadership Academy camps, selected students joined delegations of other distinguished students from across the state to develop leadership skills while learning about the great state of Texas. They also completed problem solving and decision-making simulations, exercised creativity, and practiced presentation skills in leadership groups. Participants experienced what they are learning in school through visits to historically, politically, scientifically, and environmentally significant sites.
Katy ISD students who participated in the 2014 Leadership Academy are:
Beckendorff Junior High: Caleb Oneal
Cinco Ranch Junior High: Jake Dickson
Holland Elementary: Ashlee Ballard, Eduardo Diaz, April Feng, Elena Yu and Grace Zhang
Seven Lakes Junior High: Jake Wilson
For more information about the Lone Star Leadership Academy or to nominate outstanding students for 2015 programs, visit www.educationinaction.org.
Local students are giving back to others here at home and around the globe
Written by Holly Leger
Katy, TX News – As a teenager, it’s easy to get caught up in the world of adolescence. But these Katy teens received a reality check after going on mission trips – some around the world, and others in their own hometown. Katy Magazine reached out to these young men and women to hear their inspirational stories.
Photo courtesy of Parkway Fellowship
A World Apart
Johannesburg, South Africa may look like any other large, well-to-do city, but as the youth group at Parkway Fellowship discovered, the outskirts of the city are the polar opposite. The teenagers walked through squatter camps, performing door-to-door ministries.
Parkway student pastor Chris Sedgwick says the camps have very small square footage, yet house hundreds of thousands of residents and refugees. “It’s very hard conditions,” Sedgwick says. “It’s a maze of shacks. You have to walk sideways in between houses.”
Photo courtesy of Parkway Fellowship
Seeing True Joy
The youth group split into groups of four, each one assigned with a translator, and walked from hut to hut to help others, share the story of Jesus, and pray.
Skylar Station, a 17-year-old youth member, says that although she was shocked by the poverty she witnessed while in South Africa, she was just as surprised by the level of pride and joy the people showed for their homes and family. “Even though they’re in these horrible conditions, they’re still happy,” Station says. “They haven’t lost sight of hope.”
Building Relationships
Traveling with the student organization at Second Baptist Church, 17-year-old Ansley Harris went to Belize City, Belize to help make renovations on a local Catholic school during her spring break.
While Harris and her fellow youth members were painting, the children at the school would periodically come outside during their breaks.
Harris says, “That’s when we would stop our work, go build relationships, and get to know the kids.” Harris reached out to the parents, too. A mother came to bring her children lunch each day, and Harris said she bonded with their family the entire week.
“Each day, I got to hear more of her story and tell her more of mine,” Harris says. “It was neat to pray over her and tell her why I believe what I believe. She was already a Christian, but we went into depth. It was a cool experience, and to talk to her kids about it, too, was neat.”
Harris says the experiences she had in Belize, as well as others she’s had this year while doing local mission work, helped her learn the world doesn’t revolve around her. Instead, she realized she is on Earth to serve, just as Jesus did. “For me, it was kind of a news flash and a slap in the face,” Harris explains. “Like, ‘Hey, Ansley! What are you doing to serve others? What are you doing to share the gospel?’ It was a super humbling experience.”
Close to Home
If you double dog dare 18-year-old Josh Corley to do something, he doesn’t back down. That is, if it’s a dare at Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church.
In 2013, Josh applied for Grace’s Double Dog Dare Grant, which offers money to members who would like to plan a mission project. For Josh, that mission plan was easy: help the homeless men and women in the Katy area.
His mother, Dora Corley, says she was not surprised by her son’s decision. “Josh has always had a heart towards homeless people,” Dora says. “I’ve asked him why, and he replies, ‘You see them all the time, and they’re real people. But we’ll never know who they are, because we just drive by them.’”
Assisting the homeless was just part of Josh’s plan, though. He has Asperger’s syndrome and wanted to do the mission project with other special needs families at The Bridge, a ministry offered at Grace.
Photo courtesy of Parkway Fellowship
Building a Bridge
The Bridge provides services for approximately 50 individuals. Josh said he knew a big group like that could make a big impact, as well as prove to others what they’re capable of doing.
“The special needs kids can actually do stuff,” he says. “We’re not just sitting around.” With the $500 Josh received from the grant, he bought Ziploc bags, toiletries, and other essentials. When the project was completed, Dora asked Josh what he thought of the day’s work. “He said, ‘I feel great inside.’” KM
HOLLY LEGER is a freelance writer who was constantly reminded during this story what a great spiritual gift serving can be.
Dedicated Cinco Ranch Junior High teacher Suzette Steward is named Teacher of the Year on Live with Kelly and Michael
Written by Susan Perini | Select photography by Melissa Crowder
Katy, Texas News – When Lisa Clements nominated Suzette Steward for the National Teacher of the Year Award from the daytime talk show Live with Kelly and Michael, she wrote, “You just have to meet her. [Suzette] has more energy, passion, and love for kids than you will find in any other human being.”
Clements should know. She is the mom of one of the many children whose lives have been impacted by Steward’s passion and dedication during her years teaching in Katy ISD.
teacher at Cinco Ranch Junior High, was
named as the National Teacher of the
Year on Live with Kelly and Michael
More Than a Teacher
“I’m just a teacher,” shrugs Steward in the video shown on Live with Kelly and Michael. “I go to work to do what I need to do, so my kids can be better individuals later on in life.”
But anyone who knows Steward, knows she’s more than “just” a teacher. Steward, who grew up in Katy, was inspired early in life to work with people with special needs. After earning her degree in recreational therapy, she began working in Katy ISD in 2004 at Exley Elementary. When her students graduated to junior high, she moved with them and began teaching the Junior Child Autism Program (JCAP) at Cinco Ranch Junior High (CRJH). Simultaneously, Steward began working tirelessly with the Special Olympics program, as well as starting two camp programs of her own – Camp Journey and Camp Rocks – both of which offer a variety of activities for children with autism.
Team Suzette
After Clements submitted her letter nominating Steward for the National Teacher of the Year award, Steward, who was unaware of the nomination, easily slid into the top 12.
CRJH principal Elizabeth Kuylen was thrilled when she received a call from the show’s producers telling her that Steward was a finalist. “She deserves to have this recognition,” Kuylen says. “With Suzette, what you see is what you get. She really does have that much energy, enthusiasm, and passion.”
When 12 finalists were narrowed down to five, Steward flew to New York to appear on Live with Kelly and Michael. Friends and co-workers donned “Team Suzette” shirts and rallied to get people to vote for her – which wasn’t difficult. Everyone who knows Steward is touched by her commitment to students and her genuine enthusiasm for teaching.
award represents
Cinco Ranch
Junior High, their
program, her
students, and
their parents
Beyond the Classroom
Steward’s work is not simply confined to the classroom. Every weekday, Steward runs an after-school exercise program where her students can interact with the community while burning off some excess energy. She opens her home to her students on Friday nights, Saturdays, and even Sundays to offer “weekend respite” for parents. Instead of summer vacation, Steward spearheads Camp Journey, 11 weeklong day camps for kids with special needs. Camp Rocks takes place on weekends and holidays throughout the year. Remarking on Steward’s level of dedication, Kuylen quips, “As far as I know, she doesn’t sleep.” Steward always runs an after-school care program to provide her students with much-needed physical activity.
“She really is amazing,” says Renee Thomas, a fellow Katy ISD teacher whose son Garrett has reaped the benefits of Steward’s work with the Special Olympics, Camp Journey, and Camp Rocks. “She has a passion for children. Garrett, even with his limited verbal skills, actually asks to go to Camp Rocks!”
The Big Win
On May 7, 2013, Kuylen received the news that Steward was the winner. She arranged for Steward’s husband, family, friends, students, and co-workers to surround Steward outside the front of the school as she heard the exciting news. Steward was overwhelmed. “It’s such an honor,” she says. “I feel like it shines a light on our program, the staff, the kids, and their parents. It isn’t just my award; it’s for us all.”
Steward won a new car from Ford, as well as a much deserved Tahitian vacation – which she has yet to take. CRJH was awarded $25,000 and five Mobi Learners, which allow multiple students to interact with lesson content simultaneously, creating a more collaborative classroom. With the award money, Kuylen has also purchased additional technology items for the school including 25 iPads, three document cameras, projectors, a new set of graphing calculators, clickers, and some equipment for the art department.
Kuylen hopes the attention brought to their JCAP program will produce more community awareness of Katy students with special needs as well as more support for programs like Steward’s that meet their needs.
come true to see students excel
Living the Dream
Steward plans to continue working with special needs students. “Every day, I get to help these kids reach new goals and master things they’ve never imagined doing,” she says. “I am living my dream.”
In the future, Steward hopes to become more active with Home and Community-based Services, a support group for families of people with disabilities which provides vocational training and group homes. She would like to have her own special needs community someday. In the meantime, she will continue to do what she does best: love, inspire, and teach. KM
SUSAN PERINI lives in Katy with her husband and three children, one of whom has autism.
NEW! Optometric Office is looking for a friendly and pleasant individual with excellent customer service skills, be great at selling, fitting, styling, and doing adjustments/repairs. Responsibilities include optical sales, front desk, pretesting, contact lens dispensing and general office duties, etc. Experience is an added plus but quick learner with a smile is a must. Work days include Saturdays. Part-time to possible full time. A great potential to grow with the practice. Please send resume to vsrichmond1@gmail.com.
Katy, TX (July 23, 2013) – The Katy Spartans 9u AAA team, comprised of players from Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, and Weston Lakes areas, recently competed in the USSSA Global World Series in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
After pool play and a few rain delays, the Spartans overcame all adversities and left Gulf Shores as the champions in the 9u open division. They had an overall record of 6-2 and out scored their opponents 78-35. The boys were thrilled to bring their trophy and championship rings home to Katy, TX.
Team members include Brady Hughes, Jackson Pursley, Luke Guzzetta, Jack Little, Noah Shipp, Braden Phillips, Leighton Reddy, Jonah Thigpen, Jared Schaeffer, Nathanial Lopez, and Justin Ashworth. Mark Little, Steve Guzzetta, Todd Shipp, and Mike Pursley proudly serve as coaches to this team of all-stars.
Katy, Texas – Cinco Ranch High School Destination Imagination team, DI Harder, won first place in the world at the Global DI Competition in Knoxville, Tennessee. There were teams from 45 states, seven Canadian provinces and 13 countries competing with over 15,000 people in attendance.
The teams 17.7 gram structure held 820 pounds, and was hit by a ram 18 times. Their side project, a modified clepsydra or water clock, received the top score of any team competiting. Their entire skit, scenery, and costumes were based on Julius Cesar. The group previouslywon first at Regional and first at State. At Regional their structure won the DiVinci Award. They competed in the ‘DI Extreme Challenge’ winning first at Regionals and third at State. The team consists of Matthew Burch, Alexandra Du, Matt Gaikema, Joey Gu, Ross Miglin, Jessica Yi, and Cathy Wu.
Katy, Texas – Martha McCullough of Katy’s Star of Destiny Chapter, NSDAR , awarded Rylander Elementary School pre-K aide, Veronica Lemberg, a USA flag and certificate for obtaining her American citizenship. Veronica, her husband, and son were recently sworn in as American citizens of the United States of America.
Martha McCullough (left) presenting flag to Veronica Lemberg
Their newest American citizen studied very hard to accomplish this honor and the members of Star of Destiny, NSDAR are very proud of their accomplishments. To learn more about joining the Katy NSDAR chapter, Star of Destiny, please email them at thestarofdestiny@yahoo.com or visit their website at http://texasdar.org/chapters/StarDestiny/.
Premier Personal Training is on the quest to motivate and inspire you to live a healthy and vibrant lifestyle. Their services include personal training, group training, nutrition/lifestyle coaching, boot camps, community runs, and bike rides. Their studio is in an excellent location (27110 Cinco Ranch Blvd Suite 600, Katy, Texas 77494) approximately five minutes drive from I-10 and Farm 1093.
Carl Comeaux started his first personal training team as a 21-year-old, and the team is still changing people’s lives in Lake Charles, LA. He recently moved to Katy to open his second location. He is excited to redefine the fitness experience in the Katy area. As a fitness and training studio, their primary focus is to ensure their clients achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Their programming is cutting edge. Their equipment is top of the line; and their team of trainers and fitness instructors are the best in the industry. You can rest assured you will be taken care of at Premier Personal Training.
Join Westland Baptist Church for an open house on Saturday, April 27, from noon to 3 p.m. for a preview of High Voltage – Houston’s premier rock camp which features top-notch musiciancs who teach kids how to write their own music. The open house will feature free pizza and drinks, live performances from former campers, and raffle prizers.
High Voltage Rock Camp is for kids ages 9 to 16. With a staff of experienced professional musicians and certified music educators, High Voltage Rock Camp is your destination for becoming a better musician. Whether you are an experienced player or just beginning, you will learn what it takes to write a song, create your own parts, and play with a band, while simultaneously improving your technique, theory and musicality on your chosen instrument.
Camp dates are as follows:
| June 17 – 21 | Camp Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Friday Pizza Party: 5-6:30pm Concert Start Time: 6:30pm Drop Off: 8:30-9am Pick-Up: 5-5:30pm | Westland Baptist Church 1407 W. Grand Pkwy, Katy, Tx 77494 |
| June 24 – 28 | Camp Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Friday Pizza Party: 5-6:30pm Concert Start Time: 6:30pm Drop Off: 8:30-9am Pick-Up: 5-5:30pm | Westland Baptist Church 1407 W. Grand Pkwy, Katy, Tx 77494 |
VFW Post 9182 recently held a remembrance of the 59th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice, the Korean War ceasefire agreement. Five members of the post who saw action in the Forgotten War were honored and shared their experiences defending freedom in that far corner of the world.
The first to retell one of his memorable experiences was Joe Reynolds, who served as an Army artillery officer with the 45th infantry division. He related a story that while directing fire on the Chinese communist positions near what would later become the Korean DMZ, his unit brought retaliation on our British Allies. It seems the communists were firing back on the British positions, rather than the Americans.
Sergeant Charley White was with the second infantry division not far from Reynolds near Panmunjom when the Armistice was signed. He told stories of some Americans literally interacting with the Chinese for a short while. He was skeptical of the former enemy and did not allow his men to engage in this sort of activity.
Pat Adams, the former Katy police chief and a former member of the seventh Marine regiment, first Marine division, told of riding a train from Pusan to the eastern side of northern South Korea. He told stories of the bitter cold conditions (30 and 40 degrees below zero) that the troops encountered.
This was also the same theme that was echoed by former Post Commander Todd Spiller. Spiller was one of those rare soldiers promoted from the enlisted ranks to become an officer, known as a Mustang. Like Adams, he was a member of the seventh Marine regiment, first Marine division. He was in the mountains not far from Adams in a place known as Mun San-Ni.
Spiller also related an interesting piece of history. In 1955, they were loaded upon vessels to join the fight in Vietnam. These orders were later changed several days after leaving Korea, and it would be 10 years before a full-scale landing of Marines would take place in Southeast Asia.
Louis Mehr, the commander of the Post 9182’s honor guard, related experiences while serving in maintenance with the first Marine Air Wing, MAG 12 Hq Squadron. He related how the first Ace of the Korean War was credited with five "kills" flying a Corsair. However, the planes he shot down, all at night, were unarmed single-engine types. He also told of meeting one of America's greatest baseball heroes, Ted Williams.
One of the guests in attendance was Duane Offe, a Katy resident, who is a member of Tomball VFW Post 2427. Offe shared stories of serving aboard U.S. Navy APA's at the landings at Inchon and Pusan (a place with a 24-foot swing in the high-low tides). He told how once the Marines were discharged ashore, his vessel was loaded with communist prisoners of war who were taken to Koje-do, a hilly 150-square-mile island some 20 miles off the southeastern coast of Korea.
Commander Dave Brasell had opened the remembrance by stating that America has come to call this the Forgotten War, however, this war will never be forgotten by those that participated in that conflict. He also stated that Korea is the only nation that has ever formally thanked the U.S. for coming to the aid of their country. He displayed a copy of the document that so thanked America. It was also noted that since a peace agreement has never been signed, technically we are still at war. American service personnel who currently serve there gain eligibility for membership in the VFW.
For more information about VFW Post 9182, contact Commander Dave Brasell at 281-391-8387. Post meetings are held at the VFW Hall on the first Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Monthly meetings are preceded by a potluck dinner.
A retirement reception was held recently at McMeans Junior High School for custodian Jose Pena. His career with the Katy Independent School District spanned more than 15 years, and many friends, family members, and coworkers celebrated his retirements. Pictured are (from left) Susie Fonseca, Geronima Medina, Jose Pena, Yolaisy Gutierrez, Juan Reyez, and Paula Maldonado. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
2/2 – 2/4
Great Southwest Prayer Center
26555 S. Mason Rd.
Churches from Katy and west Houston will be participating in this three-day worship event. The community is invited to participate at any time during this three-day global prayer movement. For more information, visit firealter.com. Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
- Bernard Hodes Group 1-888-438-9911 www.hodes.com
We know that nothing adds value to your organization than talent. We help our clients find, keep, and engage their best talent every day.
Each month, the Katy Chamber of Commerce holds ribbon cuttings throughout the community, welcoming new businesses to the area. During the month of December, the Chamber welcomed the following businesses to Katy: Simply Divine Interiors, 22758 Westheimer Pkwy, #240; Wilson Street Gallery, 8402 Wilson St.; Harmony Science Academy West Houston, 22400 Grand Corner Dr.; and Dulce Bakery and Café, 6734 Westheimer Lakes N., #112.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
A 41-year-old mother and preschool teacher was the first patient to undergo a single-incision laparoscopic hysterectomy at Methodist West Houston Hospital.
The single-incision advancement allows surgeons to insert a specialized port through an incision in the belly button and use multiple laparoscopic devices simultaneously. Surgeons can perform a hysterectomy and other procedures and leave virtually no physical evidence. Additional advantages may include less bleeding, infection, hernia formation and less pain.
Dr. Byron Holt, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Methodist West Houston, who previously delivered Krista Vicklund’s three children, performed the surgery (Nov. 16, 2011) to remove her uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, and repair an umbilical hernia.
“Ms. Vicklund was an appropriate candidate for this surgery due to disabling levels of pain and discomfort that significantly disrupted her active lifestyle,” Holt says. “I have performed over a thousand multiport procedures, with excellent results, but the availability of Methodist West Houston’s specialized instrumentation gives patients the option of further refinement in terms of recovery and the potential of a quick return to normal activities.”
Hysterectomies are the most common non-pregnancy related surgery in women in the U.S. and used to treat uterine cancer and other uterine conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis or prolapse. Close to 600,000 hysterectomies are performed annually in the U.S. Despite availability of a conventional multiport laparoscopic alternative, the majority of surgeries are still abdominal, requiring six to eight weeks of recovery and leaving a large scar.
“After my third pregnancy, I had real difficulty. It continually felt like I was having a baby without any of the joy,” Vicklund says. “I was considering a multi-incision procedure but when Dr. Holt told me about the benefits of this latest advance, I said, ‘let’s go!’ I’m looking forward to walking and jogging and getting back to the gym with my husband without any discomfort or concerns.”
Vicklund was released the day after her surgery, recovered well and was back to work as a preschool teacher within a week and a half.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
The Katy Music Teachers Association recently presented its annual Christmas recital at the Living Word Lutheran Church in Katy. Three recitals were held for students who take private lessons to learn a wide variety of instruments including piano, guitar, violin, percussion, and more.
Please mention you found this on www.KatyMagazine.com.
Roosevelt Alexander Elementary (RAE) students and their families had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children from needy families in Houston’s Third Ward this holiday season. RAE adopted Dodson Elementary, where the majority of students attending live below the poverty line. Dodson Elementary has 500 students in need of many things we are used to having.
The RAE PTA collected donations from the RAE community, such as school supplies, books, clothing and personal items from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9, and they delivered a truck full of items to Dodson on Dec. 10, just in time for the holidays.
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The Beckendorff Junior High (BDJH) choir kept busy during the final week of the fall semester. On Monday, Dec. 12, BDJH choir members, directed by Janet Menzie and accompanied by pianist James Stovall, sang their hearts out to favorite holiday tunes during the annual Winter Concert held at the Seven Lakes High School Performing Arts Center.
The varsity choir also took this opportunity to give the audience a sneak preview of their ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) and National Junior High School and Middle Schools performances in February/March in Dallas. Finally, the audience got a special treat from SLHS’s Sensations show choir whose dazzling performance of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” left the audience in awe of their talent.
On Friday, Dec. 16, the voices of BDJH choir visited Oakmont Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Grace Care Center of Katy, and Solana of Cinco Ranch to share the holiday spirit with residents. They sang many traditional and pop seasonal favorites such as “Jingle Bells”, “Mister Santa”, “Canto del Agua”, and “We Three Kings”.
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Katy TaeKwonDo Academy recently announced its newest class of Tiger Cub graduates, black belt students, and instructors who each passed testing requirements for their next rank level during the December rank exam.
The following students earned their First Degree Level 1 “Probationary” Black Belt: Bryan Lightsey, Jennifer Lightsey, Dien Chau, Kolby Conaway, Kendal Gillentine, Samantha Lucia, Harris Masson, Michael Nevins, Michael Nguyen, Nicholas Schilhab, Tanmay Sharma, Aadhithya Sivakumar, Bernardo Vilchis, Bruno Vilchis, Joseph Brinkley, and River Silversmith.
Students Bryce Amos and Caroline Rush earned their First Degree Level 2 “Decided” Black Belt.
The following students earned their Second Degree Black Belts: Quazi Asif, Max Conway, Teddy Gallas, Alex Maldonado, and Damini Patel.
The following students earned their Third Degree Black Belts: Tyler Blonder, Madison Brost, Ryan Brost, Joshua Boyce, Adam Mojtahed,and Ryan Tough.
A special congratulations went to Nilesh Popat who earned his Fifth Degree Black belt.
In addition, Katy TaeKwonDo Academy recognized the following students who passed testing requirements during the instructor exam to earn tiered instructor status: Luke Armstrong, Lindsey West, and Grady West (Level 1); and Jason English (Level 2).
Finally, student Jenna Roberts was recognized for graduating from the Tiger Cubs program into the Junior program.
The Katy TaeKwonDo Academy offers a world-class martial arts curriculum for children through adults. From building confidence to improving self-defense skills, students are trained by internationally certified instructors while taking advantage of a flexible class schedule in an environment of encouragement and respect where everyone participates and everyone is a winner. For more information, call 281-829-9300 or visit katytkd.com.
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Members of Katy Boy Scout Troop 557 recently advanced in their ranks. The troop had several scouts advance in these categories: Scout, Tenderfoot, First Class, Star and Life.
Boy Scouts Elliot and Tanner M. advanced in both Scout and Tenderfoot; Morgan F. and Joel C. advanced to First Class; Peter W., Trevor G., Kyle R., and Ashton R. advanced to Star; and David W., Christopher W., Vincent S., Tony S., and Kevin R. advanced to Life.
For more information about joining Katy’s Troop 557 of the Texas Skies District, contact Derek Spier at dspier1@comcast.net.
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Christmas came early for Katy resident David Williams II and his daughter Layla when Gallery Furniture surprised them with new furniture for their new apartment. The donation was part of the company’s holiday giveaway to 30 deserving people in the greater Houston area. Williams was selected for the honor after his father wrote to Gallery Furniture about his son’s inspirational story as a single dad.
Determined to provide a wonderful life for his daughter, Williams found himself faced with refurnishing his apartment after losing most everything to a theft. He was joined at the surprise donation ceremony by Georgia Spears of Gallery Furniture, and his friends, family, and fellow congregation members from the Fellowship at Cinco Ranch.
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Members of the fifth grade Katy Swarm football team recently played in the East Texas Classic, held in New Caney, Texas on Dec. 10-11. The Swarm made it to the championship game where they took on the Katy Punishers. The Katy Punishers won 22-7, and both teams were excited two Katy teams came out on top on the competition.
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Katy Texas Restaurants
- Alegria Brazilian Grill 24449 Katy Fwy., Katy, TX 281-394-7753 alegriagrill.com
They are a full service restaurant specializing in authentic Brazilian cuisine. They offer lunch, dinner, and daily specials. - Leafology Tea Lounge 9006 S. Fry Rd. Suite B. Katy, TX 77494 leafologytealounge.com
They are a tea lounge that offers a wide variety of teas and sandwiches. They offer free WiFi and a relaxed environment. - Leafology Tea Lounge 27131 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Suite 650. Katy, TX 77494 leafologytealounge.com
They are a tea lounge that offers a wide variety of teas and sandwiches. They offer free WiFi and a relaxed environment. - Bagel Café 631 S. Mason Rd. Katy, TX 281-646-7474
- Chicken Express 3200 S. Fry Road Katy, TX 832-321-5438
- Black-eyed Pea 410 S. Mason Rd. Katy, TX 281-392-5313
- Chili’s Grill & Bar 3130 W. Grand Pkwy. S. Katy, TX 281-574-3220
- Chili’s Grill & Bar 21865 Katy Fwy. Katy, TX 281-398-3987
- Chipotle Grill 1260 N. Fry Rdn Katy, TX 281-646-8588
- Cracker Barrel 18151 Katy Fwy. Houston, TX 281-492-1585
- D’Amico’s Italian Market Cafe 2643 Commercial Center Blvd Katy, TX 281-769-9682
- El Asador Mexican Restaurant 3750 S Mason Rd., Katy, TX 832-321-4954
- Fuddruckers 25407 Bell Patna Dr. Katy, TX 281-644-7616
- IHOP 19989 Katy Fwy. Katy, TX 281-398-8667
- Luby’s Cafeteria 485 S. Mason Rd. Katy, TX 281-492-2016
- Mi Pueblito Columbian Restaurant 402 Grand Pkwy., #102 Katy, TX 77494
- Outback Steakhouse 20455 Katy Fwy. Katy, TX 281-492-2225
- Panera Bread 19502 Katy Fwy. Houston, TX 281-398-6444
- Preston’s 26440 FM 1093 Richmond, TX 281-394-2533
- Ray’s Grill 8502 FM 359 Fulshear, TX 281-533-0099
- Red Oak Grill 2004 S. Mason Rd. Katy TX 281-392-2612
- Red Robin 23318 Mercantile Pkwy. Katy, TX 281-392-1004
- Saltgrass Steak House 21855 Katy Fwy. Katy, TX 281-647-9400
- Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill 1553 S. Mason Rd. Katy, TX 281-398-3260
- Snappy’s Café and Grill 5803 Highway Blvd. Katy, TX 281-391-8163
- Souper Salad 20220 Katy Fwy., Ste. C150 Katy, TX 281-599-3878
- Sur Latin Peruvian Cuisine 19901 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 281-385-9778
- Texas Roadhouse 20840 Katy Fwy. Katy, TX 281-829-2400
- TGI Friday’s 5304 Bell Patina Dr. Katy, TX 281-644-6625
- Willie’s Ice House 19905 Katy Fwy. Houston, TX 281-492-6700
- Wings & More 509 S. Mason Rd. Katy, TX 281-492-0654
Katy, Texas Jobs
NEW!    Under direct supervision of the Child Watch Director, this position is responsible for providing a quality member service by offering a safe and fun environment for children while family members are involved in YMCA programs. Must be a positive role model and communicator with children, parents, members, staff, etc. Embody through job performance the five core values of the YMCA of Greater Houston – honesty, caring, responsibility, faith, and respect. Will assist and offer leadership to other staff in maintaining activities, involvement with children in Child Watch and ensuring policy & procedures are being followed. Submit resume to Pam Filip, pamf@ymcahouston.org. Please mention you found this on www.SugarLandMagazine.com.
